HRC Applauds Vermont Legislature’s Historic Vote Recognizing Marriage for Lesbian and Gay Couples

Takes effect September 1st.

http://www.hrc.org/12455.htm

clipped from www.hrc.org 4/7/2009 WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, applauded the Vermont legislature for voting today to  recognize marriage for lesbian and gay couples.  The state Senate voted 23-5 and the House of Representatives voted 100-49 to override Gov. Jim Douglas’s veto, making Vermont the first state to recognize marriage for committed lesbian and gay couples through the legislative process.  The Vermont legislation goes into effect September 1. “This historic vote in the Vermont legislature reminds us of the incredible progress being made toward equality.  Less than five years ago, lesbian and gay couples began marrying in Massachusetts.  Now, with the Iowa court decision last Friday and today’s vote in Vermont, there will be four states recognizing the right to marry for loving, committed lesbian and gay couples,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.